Lebanon, NH: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Lebanon: The Data Profile (2026)

Lebanon, New Hampshire, represents a statistical anomaly in the post-2024 realignment of American labor. With a population of 14,759, it operates with the infrastructure of a micropolis but the economic output of a mid-sized city. The primary driver is the "Dartmouth-Legacy" effect: a highly educated workforce clustering around the medical and academic sectors.

The median household income stands at $92,288, which is 23.7% higher than the national median of $74,580. Crucially, the barrier to entry for this income tier is academic; 56.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, nearly double the US average of 33.1%.

Target Demographic: The statistical target for Lebanon is the "Hybrid Professional"—specifically, dual-income households in healthcare, biotech, or remote tech roles who prioritize air quality and community safety over urban density.

Cost of Living Analysis

While the Cost of Living Index (COLI) for standard categories (Housing, Groceries, Transportation) sits at a neutral 100.0, the "hidden tax" of New England energy costs significantly impacts the monthly budget. Electricity rates are the primary deviation, sitting at 23.4 cents/kWh, a 46.3% premium over the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
For a single earner at the median income ($92,288 / $7,690 monthly gross), the total monthly outlay of $3,095 results in a 60% savings rate before taxes. This high disposable income ratio is the city's primary economic magnet.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Lebanon is defined by extreme stability. Unlike the volatile swings seen in national "boom" towns, Lebanon's Median Home Price tracks almost perfectly with the US Average. However, the Price per Square Foot is 12.5% higher than the national average, reflecting a premium on efficient, smaller footprints typical of New England construction.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Strategy:
Given the 1.3% premium on home prices versus the national average, buying is a long-term equity play rather than an immediate financial arbitrage. However, with 1BR rents at $1,450 (6.5% below national), renting offers immediate cash flow advantages for professionals without children.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The economic moat of Lebanon is the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC). This entity acts as a recession buffer, keeping the local unemployment rate at 3.0%, significantly lower than the 4.0% national average.

RTO & Commute:
In the 2026 landscape, hybrid work is the norm. Lebanon's "commute" is statistically negligible compared to metro hubs. Average commute times hover around 16 minutes. For the 33% of residents who are fully remote, the isolation is mitigated by the high-speed fiber infrastructure prevalent in the Upper Valley.

Quality of Life Audit

Lebanon scores "Excellent" on health metrics, a direct correlation to the high percentage of residents working in medicine and the active outdoor culture fostered by the climate.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Air Quality: With an AQI of 28 and PM2.5 levels of 4.5 µg/m³, Lebanon offers air quality in the 98th percentile nationally.
• Crime: Violent crime is statistically rare at 95.2 incidents per 100k (National average: 380 per 100k). Property crime is 1,240 per 100k, slightly below the national average.
• Weather: Currently 48.0°F with a high of 46°F. Residents must be prepared for 6 months of winter driving conditions.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income vs. Cost: The 23.7% income premium over the US average, combined with stable housing costs, creates a wealth-building environment.
• Health Metrics: Obesity rates of 24.5% and smoking rates of 9.1% indicate a community focused on longevity.
• Job Security: A 3.0% unemployment rate provides a safety net unmatched in the region.

Cons:

• Energy Costs: Electricity at 23.4 cents/kWh is a persistent drag on monthly budgets.
• Housing Stock: The 12.5% premium on Price/SqFt indicates a competitive market for buyers seeking space.

Final Recommendation:
Lebanon is a Buy for 2026. It offers the financial upside of a high-income city with the safety and health profile of a rural enclave. It is best suited for professionals in healthcare, biotech, or those with fully remote salaries seeking to maximize disposable income.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Lebanon?
To match the median lifestyle, a household income of $92,288 is required. For a single professional to maintain a 20% savings rate, a gross income of $70,000 is sufficient given the rent-to-income ratio.

2. How does the value compare to nearby Hanover?
Lebanon offers ~15% lower housing costs than neighboring Hanover (home of Dartmouth College) while sharing the same 3.0% unemployment rate and 85.6 health score.

3. Are the safety stats reliable?
Yes. With a violent crime rate of 95.2 per 100k, Lebanon is statistically one of the safest small cities in the US Northeast.

4. What is the best timing for a move?
Move between May and September. The current temperature of 48.0°F and "Chance Light Rain" conditions are indicative of the harsh reality of a New England winter move.